US Bridges

SH 359 over Papalote Creek

Good

Bee County, Texas · 0.1 MI NE of FM 796 · Structure no. 160130008705018

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
41 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
5,204
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SH 359 over Papalote Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SH 359 over Papalote Creek in Bee County, Texas. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 94 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,204 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,750 by 2033. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

CarriesSH 359
CrossesPapalote Creek
Location0.1 MI NE of FM 796
RouteState Highway 359
StateTexas
Coordinates28.17311, -97.75363
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,204 (2020)
Projected traffic7,750 by 2033
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SH 359 over Papalote Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is SH 359 over Papalote Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does SH 359 over Papalote Creek carry?

About 5,204 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is SH 359 over Papalote Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns SH 359 over Papalote Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.